Farewell Addresses

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My current Old Testament progress:
Deuteronomy 7
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I absolutely loved Deuteronomy 4-6. Moses knows that he cannot continue to lead Israel into the promised land, so I see these chapters as a farewell address. I'm really looking forward to finishing Deuteronomy, but it's also bittersweet, because I know Moses won't continue with me into Joshua.

I'm a sucker for deathbed speeches. As I read them, I can't help but think how these prophets are sharing, even urging, their children and followers to follow the commandments that the prophet feels most strongly about. There are many different instances of these peppered throughout the scriptures. I'd like to share a few examples from the Book of Mormon, but feel free to share your favorite via an insight.

Lehi asked his sons not to rebel against Nephi. Then he blessed each one and gave specific counsel to each.

Enos shared a glimpse into what the next life will be like.

King Benjamin gathered all of his people together, teaching from a tower so that they could all hear him, and urged them to follow his example. He taught of Jesus Christ, who had not yet been born, teaching of the atonement and of taking care of our children and community. He exhorted them to be steadfast and immovable in good works.

Mosiah spent his last days by freeing his people from a monarchy and establishing judges over the land, causing his people to truly love him.

Alma the Younger gave counsel to his sons, sharing his conversion story with Helaman and urging him to remain righteous. He counseled his son, Shiblon, to bridle his passions. He really counseled Corianton, for he hadn't been righteous, sharing with him all about Christ and the atonement.

And who can forget Moroni, who closed the Book of Mormon with his testimony?

I think that if you wanted the Cliff's Notes version of the scriptures, all you'd need to do is find each prophet's closing testimony, and you'd have the Gospel condensed into one handy little booklet. The power behind their words is simply amazing!

Which brings me to a sad subject, I hadn't planned on blogging about. As many of you know, President Hinckley's health has been deteriorating. No one knows how much longer he'll be with us, and with General Conference this weekend, we get the wonderful opportunity to hear from him again, perhaps for the last time.

Let's make sure that we are spiritually ready to hear and understand his words during the 176th Annual General Conference.

I'm looking forward to it.

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